Energy bureau touts new pricing scheme for green-energy use

By Helen Ku / Staff reporter

The Bureau of Energy is considering implementing a new “green-power pricing” scheme in July in a bid to support the nation’s renewable energy development, while lessening the government’s financial burden.

According to the bureau, households in the future may be able to opt for a higher electricity rate of NT$3.95 per kilowatt-hour for their energy consumption.

This represents a 37 percent increase from the current rate of NT$2.89 per kilowatt-hour, as the extra NT$1.06 per kilowatt-hour will be paid for renewable energy generated by independent power producers, the bureau said.

The electricity rate for enterprises will be lifted to NT$3.76 per kilowatt-hour, incorporating the original NT$2.7 per kilowatt-hour and the extra NT$1.06 considered as the cost of green-energy consumption, the bureau said.

“We are still collecting public opinions,” Bureau of Energy official Lan Wen-zong (藍文宗) said by telephone, adding that the new pricing mechanism would take effect in July at the earliest if no party raises objections.

Lan said individuals and enterprises can apply to Taiwan Power Co (Taipower, 台電) to get proof of their green-power purchases.

Taipower will allow homes and businesses to purchase a total of 310 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, mostly solar and wind energy, once the program takes effect.

Based on the bureau’s estimate, enterprises that consume 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month may see their energy costs increase by NT$2,120 a month.

The new scheme is set to be effective for three years and the bureau welcomes feedback from the public about its proposal until April 30.